Delio Rossi concedes it is “the most critical moment of my Palermo career” against Genoa. “We must prove we're men as well as players.”

The Sicilians are struggling badly at the moment, as between Serie A and the Europa League they have lost four on the trot.

“Looking at the table, we are still in the top half. If we want to see the glass half-empty, then we can. When others hailed us and I tried to keep our feet on the ground, I don't think it's right to do the opposite now.

“This is the most critical moment of my Palermo career, but I've had worse elsewhere. Also better.

“In these moments you see the men behind the players and we must prove ourselves in that respect.”

The evening kick-off against Luca Toni's Genoa is the ideal setting to get back on track and could well star Fabrizio Miccoli following his return in Moscow.

“Miccoli played very well with the ball to feet against CSKA Moscow. He will certainly take part in this game, though it's up to me to decide whether it is from the start or on the bench. If he can rediscover the form he had last season, then he's a jewel in the team's crown.”

Tension is sky high at the club after director of sport Walter Sabatini resigned and President Maurizio Zamparini claimed the squad was not up to three competitions.

“The results may well suggest that, but I find it silly to talk about this right now when there are another two months before the January transfer window.”

Abel Hernandez and Fabio Liverani are injured, while Javier Pastore returns after missing the 3-1 CSKA defeat through suspension.